Yam Daisy - Microseris lanceolata (Murnong) Seeds

Microseris lanceolata - Yam Daisy (Murnong)
A traditional Aboriginal staple food with sweet, coconut-flavored tubers and dandelion-like flowers.

Quick Facts

• Height & Spread: Forms a tufted rosette of toothed lanceolate leaves.
• Flowers: Bright yellow, dandelion-like blooms, appearing mid-summer to autumn.
• Fruits: Edible tubers form beneath clumps of flowers, ready for harvest in autumn.
• Soil: Grows in most soil types; prefers well-drained soil.
• Position: Thrives in full sun to part shade.
• Climate: Drought- and frost-tolerant, though good care ensures better growth.

Why Grow Microseris lanceolata?

Yam Daisy is a culturally significant and versatile plant that brings historical depth and unique flavor to bush food gardens. With its edible tubers, bitter leaves, and striking flowers, it’s a valuable addition to native and edible landscapes.

Bush Food Note

Murnong tubers are sweet and versatile, described as having a "flavor of coconut":

• Uses:
  • Tubers can be eaten raw or cooked.
  • Prepared by roasting, pit baking, or baking in modern ovens.
  • Added to salads, mixed with vegetables, or processed into a paste for desserts.
• Leaves: Slightly bitter leaves are also edible, suitable for salads or as cooked greens.

How to Grow

1. Sowing Instructions:

   • Sow seeds in autumn to early winter, as germination is limited by hot weather.
   • Sprinkle seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with sand or seed-raising mix to prevent displacement.

2. Position:

   • Plant in a sunny to partially shaded area for optimal growth.
   • Ensure soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging.

3. Care Tips:

   • Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
   • Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.
   • Harvest tubers in autumn when flowers appear.

Uses in Your Garden

• Bush Food Garden: Produces sweet, versatile tubers for traditional and modern dishes.
• Ornamental Value: Bright yellow flowers add color and interest to gardens.
• Native Landscaping: Ideal for restoring native habitats and supporting local biodiversity.
• Erosion Control: Dense rosettes help stabilize soil in degraded areas.

Germination Tips

• Timeframe: Germination occurs in a couple of weeks under optimal conditions.
• Season: Sow seeds in autumn to early winter.
• Light: Surface-sown seeds benefit from light exposure.
• Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during germination.

Order Now

Bring the cultural heritage and unique flavor of Microseris lanceolata to your garden. With its sweet tubers, edible leaves, and ornamental flowers, Yam Daisy is a rewarding addition to native gardens and bush food projects.

Order your Yam Daisy seeds today and grow a piece of Australia’s rich history!